We were lucky to catch up with Nisha Evangelista recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

“Get the Amazon package at the front door.”

I made a mental note of it as I continued to scoop out a big portion of day-old rice that crumbled upon impact as it hit the plate. I hurriedly picked it all up, but the rice was too crumbly to piece back together. So, I stuffed it in the microwave for two minutes, while I slipped on my UGGs to go downstairs.

At the door sat an Amazon package, perched up against the door frame of our apartment.

Inside was a toolbox, complete with screwdrivers, a wrench, screws, and a power drill. I knew what it was for: all of a sudden, there was a leak in our ceiling, our faucet stopped working, and our closet door couldn’t open all the way. There were just plenty of things that needed to be fixed.

What stood out to me was the fact that the toolbox was all pink. The bag itself was pink, the screwdriver handle was pink, and even the power drill itself was pink. Mom’s pink toolbox was her bold way of saying that she could also do this kind of work.

When the microwave beeped, I was able to mush the rice back together, but I chose to watch Mom work instead of eating. I watched as she crouched on our floorboards, hair falling forward, balancing the door with one hand and tightening screws with the other. The drill cast its own light with each twist, making the job a bit easier.

It was a rhythm I’d grown used to: something broke, she fixed it, and life kept moving.

But there were times she couldn’t fix things: things that were less visible than a faulty roller or a dysfunctional closet. The hidden struggles, the tension in the air after an argument, or the weight of unsaid words. Those didn’t come with a manual or tools. I realized, watching her line the closet door back into place, that maybe it was easier to fix the things you could hold in your hands. A power drill came with instructions. Hardware could be replaced. But internal conflicts came with no manual. No guarantee that tightening a screw would make it work again.

By the time she slid the door shut with a satisfied click, my rice had cooled again. It was hard and crumbly now, but at least it stayed together. Seeing it, I realized something: even when things feel fragile and seem to be falling apart, they can still hold if given attention and care. Sometimes I feel like rice: fragile, messy, or falling apart, and I realized that others my age likely felt that way too.

So, in a sense, I didn’t want to be like my mom, not in that way. I didn’t want to just repair what could be touched or measured; I wanted to help the invisible things hold, too. These desires and realizations became the very foundation for The TeenSpace: a place where teens can be seen, heard, and supported. Where the things that can’t be fixed with a power drill are still given the attention they deserve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m fortunate to have parents who give me the freedom and abilities to express myself authentically and wholly. That blessing translates into everything I do. Even mundane tasks, like putting on makeup or dressing up, become creative outlets.

I view growing up as a beautiful and complicated process. From playing Barbies and mimicking the teenage stories I see on TV when I was younger to actually living them, I realize that the way I express myself evolves as I get older. And as a teenager, I found it more difficult to find an outlet in the midst of growing pressures and responsibilities.

Before the start of The TeenSpace, I reflected on my old ways of expressing myself. I found old diaries with unicorn-printed covers, ones that had passwords to unlock, and ones that played music when you opened them. I expected to laugh at what I found so troubling when I was younger, and while I chuckled at some of the ways I wrote things down, I realized this is how young people can feel about topics that are oftentimes dismissed as overreactions. I felt that being introduced to these outlets at a young age by my parents was something I was extremely grateful for, and it proved to be helpful in the long run. I wanted to introduce this, among other platforms, to other teens.

The TeenSpace was founded to provide accessible platforms for teens who are struggling or simply need a place to be heard. Unlike many traditional programs, it’s peer-led, designed for teens by teens, which allows participants to build connections with peers who truly ‘get it,’ and to explore outlets for self-expression and mental health support. Our most recognized slogan, “Your Space. Your Voice,” reflects this mission. We produce a podcast released every other Saturday, featuring expert interviews, conversations about teen mental health with teenagers, and solo episodes diving deeper into specific topics to increase awareness and understanding. We also publish a monthly newsletter, highlighting stories of resilience, mental health tips, and resources for teens seeking support. Both of these are dedicated to the awareness aspect of the organization and are ongoing outlets for teens interested in sharing their story.

In the long term, The TeenSpace aims to advocate for preventative mental health research and ensure that teenagers have access to personalized, effective mental health care. Since our launch, The TeenSpace has grown into a community designed and committed to making a difference. Besides raising awareness, The TeenSpace aims to raise money for other mental health foundations through events like care kit making, card and letter-writing initiatives, and fundraisers such as sip-and-paint nights and walkathons. The TeenSpace takes a creative approach to make teen mental health awareness more accepted, accessible, and authentic while also raising money to make a real difference.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

We all know that seeking professional help is the first step in dealing with teen mental health problems. But I realize that young people can also do something to help. Young people can connect with peers, sometimes with more ease and confidence with each other than with adults, which shows that a meaningful connection cannot only be defined by age or credentials, but by willingness to care and act. You are not too young to care.

I’m a firm believer that the place to start making a difference is by caring.

Starting The TeenSpace taught me that showing up, listening, and, of course, caring matter most to people. Teens lead our podcasts, organize our events, and contribute to our newsletter, proving that passion and empathy are powerful tools to make a difference. Of course, like I said, seeking expert advice is important, and we provide all of these resources directly on our website.

Embracing these lessons allowed The TeenSpace to grow into a peer-led, collaborative platform where caring and community matter.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

As a teenager and a high school student, I believe I should always be open to new perspectives. For me, it’s asking for help when I’m stuck and unsure of what to do, and seeking a second opinion on something I’m not confident in.

Starting The TeenSpace taught me that some of the most valuable insights come not from having the “right” response, but from being willing to ask, listen, and learn from others’ experiences. I’ve realized that even when I’m uncertain or hesitant, I rarely have anything to lose, and almost always have something meaningful to gain.

When I accepted that and started considering other people’s points of view, I realized that growth isn’t about being certain, but it’s about being brave enough to stay curious. That not only shaped how I connect with others, but also how I continue to grow into the person I want to become.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theteenspace.com
• Instagram: the_teenspace
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theteenspacepodcast
• Other: Our Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lxc1MbVJ4CU3EV9DsMCv9